Add-on capture rate in a barcode scanning system

Abstract

A scanner system and method for improving the capture rate of reading labels with add-ons without sacrificing throughput with respect to non-add-on labels, the scanner including a mode in which the scanner “learns” over time which base label codes will have associated add-ons. At first, the required number of reads of base label information is set to a programmable number that is very low, and is preferably one. As the scanner successfully reads both a base label and its add-on data, the base label data is stored in a list in the scanner's memory and the required number of reads of this particular base label is increased to a second programmable number which is higher than the first and preferably high enough to obtain a reasonable add-on capture rate. Future scans of a base label corresponding to that of one in the list store will result in additional read attempts to ensure the capture of add-on information while the initial low number of reads remains in tact with respect to non-add-on labels. Thus, first pass read rate is preserved where possible and throughput is optimized. Base label statistics on successful base label and associated add-on reads, as well as ordering and selective storage of base label information based on frequency of base label occurrence may also be provided to further optimize performance while reducing system requirements.